Volunteering abroad can be a really amazing experience where you get to do something rewarding, help good courses, learn about inspirational organisations and NGOs and meet inspiring people.
Other benefits include getting to integrate into a new country and culture doing far more than just sightseeing.
If you would like to volunteer abroad there are lots of potential destinations you can choose, but which one is the best?
View our guide to the best places to book a volunteer abroad program and start researching an amazing trip today.
1. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit in Asia attracting minutes of tourists every year. It is easy to see why so many travellers go backpacking or take a gap years here due to the amount of different adventures and activities available.
On a gap year in Thailand you can visit places like Bangkok, which is one of the biggest cities in the world or go and explore some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the world. There are lots of really inspiring volunteer projects in Thailand, once we recommend including teaching English or helping elephants.
2. South Africa
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and places like Cape Town and the Kruger National Park really are bucket list destinations that you have to visit once in your life.
One of the main draws for international tourism to South Africa is the wildlife safari and exotic animals that you can see. If you would like to take a gap year in Africa then South Africa is an amazing destination to choose.
There are lots of projects you can join audio around including helping communities, children, education, coaching sports or working hands-on with animals you might only have ever seen on YouTube.
We highly recommend wildlife volunteer projects, not much can compare to actually seeing and helping animals like elephants in their natural habitat.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a really spectacular country with lush nature volcanoes, exotic wildlife, jungle, beaches and more. Costa Rica is one of the most popular places to visit on a gap year in central America for the amount of different and unique projects available.
Popular projects to help include volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries and working with animals like sloths. You don’t need to know Spanish to participate on most programs, but it is beneficial.
4. Peru
Peru is one of the highlights of South America and it is such a time country in Peru you can find various different volunteering opportunities working with people, in schools, community out reach programs and also helping animals.
Some projects allow you to visit the absolutely stunning Amazon rainforest and help conservation efforts. Volunteering here also gives you the chance to see more of the country in your spare time, don’t leave without seeing Machu Picchu.
View our Peru gap year programs for trip suggestions.
5. Greece
Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with world-famous islands, ancient history, temples, ruins, beaches and cities.
Not many people consider Greece is a volunteer destination but there are lots of really great projects here that you can help and that recruit international participants all year round.
Ways to make a difference in Greece include helping marine conservation efforts and also working with refugees in places like Athens.
Other
There really are hundreds of amazing places to volunteer around the world, and where you go really depends on your interests and the type of project you are interested in. Here are some more suggestions for popular countries where there are hundreds of opportunities:
• India
• Kenya
• Mexico
• Vietnam
• Brazil
• Indonesia
View our selection of amazing gap year volunteering programs and find your dream trip today.